Achtung was Timmons' only booked ride of the day and it was set to be his first of the Festival.

All jockeys are breathalysed before racing and he is the only jockey to fail a test this week.

Timmons hit the headlines in 2010 when he was handed a 28-day ban by the Bangor stewards after dropping his hands with the race at his mercy.

Jeanry had travelled well throughout and had beaten off all-comers after the last fence. Having gone over five lengths clear of Monsieur, Timmons appeared to ease down having passed the half-furlong marker.

Monsieur (5-1), ridden by Matt Griffiths, rallied gamely and got the front with about 50 yards to go, giving Timmons no chance to galvanise his mount, who went down by three-quarters of a length.

Off to a flyer: Tiger Roll took the opener - the JCB Triumph Hurdle - on day four of the Cheltenham Festival

Warm welcome: Davy Russell and Tiger Roll are cheered in after winning the Triumph Hurdle